Host: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), UoL, Lahore
Society of Life Sciences (SLS), IMBB/CRiMM
Presenter 1: Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Kashif Saleem (MBBS, MD(USA))
Topic: Updates, Prevention, and Myths
Presenter 2: Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, (MMS, FCPS, Ph.D., Dean Public Health, King Edward Medical University, Lahore)
Topic: Public Health Hazards and How to Protect Ourselves
Event Organizers:
Dr. Saba Shamim (Assistant Professor, IMBB, Uol)
Dr. Tania Shakoori (Assistant Professor, IMBB, Uol)
Focal Person: Prof. Dr. Arif Malik (Director, IMBB)
A successful seminar on recently emerging Corona Virus (CoVID19) was organized by IMBB at Auditorium 1 of UoL. The recent outbreak of this deadly virus has been reported in China and rapidly evolving in several countries in Asia, Europe, Australia and America. Because of alarming number of deaths and reported cases, WHO has declared it a Global Health emergency in January 2020. In this seminar, both presenters beautifully summarized the recent updates regarding the spread, prevention and treatment of CoVID19. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Dr. M. Kashif explained the common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. The common myths regarding this virus were also discussed and in an interactive question-answer section, presenter clear the ambiguities and concepts of the audience regarding the current situation. Presenters also practically demonstrated the audience with proper use of PPEs (Personal protective equipment), types of masks, and proper handwashing techniques. Dr. Saira focused on Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
